Angel Tree Program Aids Homeless Animals

Although it might seem early, Best Friends in Carmel will be putting up our annual Angel Tree this week! Pets are the latest victim of the economic downturn, and more and more pets are being surrendered to local shelters as families struggle to make ends meet. This has put a strain on shelter resources.

The Angel Tree Program was created in 2000 to help local shelters and rescue groups provide for the homeless pets in their care, and encourages pet lovers to donate food, treats, toys and other supplies needed by local shelters. From the week of Thanksgiving through the entire Christmas season, we will partner with the Humane Society of Hamilton County and other local rescue groups to find homes for adoptable pets and collect donations for the shelters.

Animal lovers are invited to stop by Best Friends at 376 Gradle Drive and select a dog or cat stocking from the Angel Tree in our lobby. Listed on each stocking is information about a pet in need of a new home, as well as details about supplies needed by the shelter. Donors are asked to purchase only the specific supplies requested by the shelter and only new items will be accepted.

For more information, please feel free to call (317) 848-7387. Please remember animals in need the holiday season!

New Pet Stylist at Best Friends Carmel!

Best Friends Carmel proudly welcomes pet stylist Meagan Llerena to our staff! Meagan joins veteran stylist Olga Kudinova and is already settling in and making pooches beautiful!

Meagan has four years of experience in the grooming industry and is skilled in working with virtually every breed. Whether your best friend is in need of a simple bath, or a more customized haircut and style, Meagan is taking new clients and is available for consultations and appointments on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Regular grooming is essential to your pets' health and happiness, and helps make them look and feel their huggable best!

For more information, please feel free to call us at (317) 848-7387. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Pets and the H1N1 Virus

(Photo courtesy of about.com/Janet Tobiassen Crosby)

We have all heard of the H1N1 Virus or the dreaded "swine flu," and many of us have either been affected by it, or know someone who has. But how does it affect our pets? Can we give it to them?

It seems the risk is very small, unless you are the owner of a pot-bellied pig or a ferret, but check out http://vetmedicine.about.com/b/2009/09/18/can-my-dog-or-cat-get-swine-flu.htm for the latest information on our dog and cat friends.

Stay Well!

As October comes to a close....

We have been busy this past week with a nearly full house for Fall Break, but even as things settle down, there are so many things coming up to plan for and talk about! We wanted to remind everyone as Halloween approaches that Best Friends Carmel is offering a special Halloween Activity Package for those lucky dogs boarding over the spooky holiday!

For only $14 additional dollars, your pooch can have a Trick or Treat Walk and Explore, a Pumpkin Patch playtime and a yummy take-home Goody Bag! Don't forget to pamper them a little if you're going to be away! For those of you booking reservations online at http://www.bestfriendspetcare.com/ watch for coupons offering 50% off of boarding on 10/31 on a 2 or more night stay for dogs boarding between 10/28 and 10/31, plus a goody bag...what a deal!

Also, please be sure and check out important safety tips for your pets this Halloween to keep everyone safe and healthy!

Once Halloween is behind us, it will be time to start preparing for the Great Indy Pet Expo coming in November. Don't miss out on one of the biggest pet events in the city! Follow our blog for more details....

Until then, Happy Haunting...

Best Friends Carmel

APPA Pet Poetry Contest!

Your 3rd, 4th or 5th graders chance to win a bunch of pet products!!! The APPA Pet Poetry Contest. Read the article below from Pet Business Magazine for more details.

APPA Pet Poetry Contest

"October 19, 2009
GREENWICH, Ct.—The American Pet Products Association (APPA) is now accepting poems for the 2nd Annual APPA National Children’s Pet Poetry Contest through its public awareness campaign, Pets Add Life (PAL).

Third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students are invited to write a unique poem about their pets, what they love about them, the joys they bring, and then post it online at www.petsaddlife.org or mail their final poem and submission form to: Pets Add Life, 45 Winter Street, Reno, NV 89503. Deadline for submissions is January 15, 2010 at 5:00pm EST.

Two students from each grade level (six total) nationwide will win a generous amount of pet products and a “byline” in a nationally circulated publication. In addition, the six winning students’ classrooms will each receive a $1,000 scholarship to spend on pet-related education.

“Our goal with the Pets Add Life campaign is to help engage our nation’s youth in the joys and benefits of pet ownership,” Bob Vetere, president of APPA. “Last year we received a great response to the contest from students, parents, teachers, and principals alike, and we’re looking forward to another great year of creative pet poems by inspired children across the country.”

For more information, visit www.petsaddlife.org."

Tongues-A-Waggin' at Best Friends Carmel...

Thought we'd share a few of our furry friends who love letting it all hang out.....

Best Friends Jack-O-Lantern!

Happy Halloween from Best Friends!! Check out this awesome pumpkin carving created by our Houston location!